Consumption of Acetaminophen by Pregnant Women to Cause Behavioral Issues in Children

Consumption of Acetaminophen by Pregnant Women to Cause Behavioral Issues in Children

Published on : Aug 16, 2016

Acetaminophen, the major painkiller utilized by pregnant women for pain relief has been associated to cause behavioral problems in the children of mothers taking it in times of pregnancy. As per a study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics stated that females using acetaminophen in their pregnancy of 18 to 32 weeks had greater odds that her child at the age of 7 may have problematic behavior issues.

42% More Chances of Reported Hyperactivity in Kids by Consumption of Acetaminophen by Mothers

This was found by making a comparison analysis to women who didn’t consumed this medicine when they were 18 weeks pregnant. The females who took the medicines in this period of gestation had 42% more chances of reported hyperactivity as well as 31% of more chances to report problems in conduct in the children bore by them.

Though, finding a connection between taking acetaminophen during pregnancy as well as the outcome effecting the child is not a sure shot proof of it being caused only by the consumption of acetaminophen. Still, as per a number of authors the consumption of acetaminophen may result in neurodevelopmental issues in children.

Acetaminophens Disrupts Hormonal Functioning in Developing Fetus

This research when carried on mice suggested that this medicine alters the development of brain and disrupts the hormonal functioning in the still developing fetus. The exposure of a developing fetus to acetaminophen has emerged as causative factor for this kind of behavior, as per various authors. The research also found that women having passed their genetic hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness are more likely to utilize acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen from a long time has been utilized by pregnant women and over 50% of the pregnant women within the Europe and the U.S. are said to consume it in the time of pregnancy. In addition, it is also a reducer of fever and this factor gains more weight as compared to its effects on a developing fetus. The authors also stated that both the physicians and pregnant women have to carefully scrutinize any major harms caused to the offspring by not treating this fever.